System and method for intrusion detection using a time domain radar array

Abstract

A system and method for highly selective intrusion detection using a sparse array of ultra wideband (UWB) radars. Two or more UWB radars are arranged in a sparse array around an area to be protected. Each UWB radar transmits ultra wideband pulses that illuminate the area to be protected. Signal return data is processed to determine, among other things, whether an alarm condition has been triggered. High resolution radar images are formed that give an accurate picture of the area to be protected. This image is used to detect motion in a highly selective manner and to track moving objects within the protected area. Motion can be distinguished based on criteria appropriate to the environment in which the intrusion detection system operates.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 806,131, filed Mar. 23, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 449,602, filed Jun. 2, 2003 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,736), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 131,598, filed Apr. 25, 2002 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,857), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 767,131, filed Jan. 23, 2001 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,400,307), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 332,502, filed Jun. 14, 1999 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,903). This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 332,503 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,979), entitled “Wide Area Time Domain Radar Array” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 952,206, filed Sep. 14, 2001 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,384), entitled “System and Method for Detecting an Intruder Using Impulse Radio Technology”.[0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a system and method for highly selective intrusion detection using a sparse array of ultra wideband (UWB) radars. The UWB radars emit very short RF pulses that improve both angle and range resolution, resulting in improved performance. The UWB pulses are used in a sparse array configuration without off-axis ambiguities, and range ambiguities are cured by temporal and / or non-temporal properties of each pulse. The high resolution radar images formed by the UWB radars can detect motion in a highly selective manner and track moving objects within the building and the surrounding area. The system can distinguish outside movement around doors and windows from movement inside the house or from movement in an unsecured portion of the building from movement in a secured portion. The high angular resolution can be achieved at a low center frequency, which makes it easier to achieve synchronization between the radars and results in less complex, less expensive implementations. The invention provides several examples of designed configurations and also describes adhoc configurations where one or more sensors is mobile. The use of different UWB radar detection range combinations is also described."

Problems solved by technology

Conventional narrowband radars arranged in a sparse array suffer off-axis ambiguities, and are therefore not practical.

This selectivity can result in lower false alarm rates.

Images